Egypt has an enthralling history and a wealth of well-preserved monuments and treasures. This trip allows you to visit all the major sites and attractions along the Nile in a comfortable fashion. Boarding our cruise boat at Luxor we travel upstream, watching local life pass by, whilst also visiting the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo temples along the way. The lush green banks and the beautiful sunsets over the Nile, together with the excellent on-board facilities make this an unforgettable way to travel.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Nubian VillageWhen the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s the rise in water and the creation of Lake Nasser resulted in the displacement of some 120,000 Nubian people. Today they live in towns and villages along the Nile, below the dam. Nubian culture is different that of many Egyptians but, due to the relatively small number of Nubians (across southern Egypt and northern Sudan) it is at risk of disappearing. Visiting a Nubian village can be a fascinating and enriching experience and benefits Nubian people both financially and through encouraging the protection of their culture.There is one aspect of Nubian culture today which Exodus Travels does not support however, and that is keeping crocodiles as pets in small pits or cages. Nubians have a long tradition of keeping crocodiles in their homes, though today there are only a few which still keep the animals. These crocodiles are eventually released back into the Nile, above the High Dam, but until then, their living conditions are poor.Whilst we believe that visiting the Nubian Village is, overall, a worthwhile experience both for our clients and for the local Nubian community, Exodus Travels does not support the practice of picking up the animals to have a photo taken, as whilst living within the home they are not domestic and are wild creatures so this can be stressful for the animals.

A.C.E (Animal Care in Egypt)A.C.E. is a charity dedicated to stopping the suffering of animals in the most deprived communities in Luxor by providing free veterinary care and education. There is now a walk-in clinic, a hospital for crucial surgery and 25 stables which allow animals to recover from injury and pressure of working life. This is not just an amazing cause for the animals, but by teaching over 150 children a week, plus owners and veterinary students, communities gain a lot of valuable training.

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Visit to Egyptian Museum, Al Azhar mosque and lively Bazaar. We begin with a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4000 BC, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the tour. Following our visit to this amazing museum we experience modern day Cairo with a visit to Al Azhar mosque, Cairo's oldest mosque and university, and the small alleyways and streets that make up Cairo's popular bazaar.

Dating back to AD970, Al Azhar mosque is a busy and popular mosque today, frequently visited by locals and thus well worth a visit. We will need to cover up (long sleeves and trousers) as when entering all mosques. Women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf.

In the afternoon we visit the Pyramids at Giza. Home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and enigmatic Sphinx, these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the throng of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their huge foundations, keep the viewer in the 21st century.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 3

We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary). We arrive in Luxor and cross the Nile to the West Bank. Here we see the Valley of the Kings, which contains the once hidden tombs of over 62 Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes the visitor underground; a series of corridors and ante-chambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs - a map of the afterlife to ensure the king's safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but if you have time a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings - each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. In the afternoon we cross back to the east bank of the Nile and visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex. Built over 1500 years, Karnak is a confusion of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. Its Hypostyle hall has 134 columns 23 metres high and 15 metres in diameter! Both temples are incredibly impressive. In the evening or earlier in the day, depending on the flight times, we settle into our accommodation on the cruise boat. Cruise Boat

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Days 4-5

On the Nile. We will spend these days on our cruise boat, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famous for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, and Kom Ombo. The cruise boat has good facilities: a sundeck with sun loungers, bar and small pool, restaurant, gift shop and library - these can all be taken advantage of when the cruise boat is docked or during sailing. The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the lush verdant landscape make this journey special. Cruise Boat

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6

This morning we are travelling the Nile in a different, exciting way: by felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat. Using the felucca, we can truly savour the tranquillity of the Nile and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the vast desert almost reaches the water's edge. (The sailing by felucca timing might be changed according to weather conditions). In the afternoon there is the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite the hotel. Opened in April 1998, the museum chronologically charts the history and culture of the Nubian people. Alternatively, we can arrange an optional visit to Philae Temple. In the 1970s it has been relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion we will also visit Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's unfinished obelisk.Cruise Boat

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7

Today there's the option of a visit to Abu Simbel, 300 km. to the south through the Nubian Desert. The optional bus tour starts at 3.30/4 in the morning when we get picked up from the boat. A breakfast box is provided. Around 8 am we will arrive at the destination, where we are given approx 3 hours to visit the temples. Built by Ramses II the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. We will be back in Aswan around 3 pm. Our luggage will be moved to the hotel, where we will overnight for the next 2 days.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 8

Today it's our last day in Aswan. A visit to St. Simone Monastery would be one of the available optional tours or we can spend our day discovering the bazaar (market) and corniche in Aswan. Shopping of home-made products can be done at the market, a great opportunity to have a taste of the local culture. Aswan is a laid-back, sleepy town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. Enjoying its atmosphere is a highlight for many on this trip. Comfortable Hotel

Essential Info

Visas

Egypt

Visas are required by all non-Arab nationalities and currently cost approximately GBP20. It is recommended that you obtain your visa before you travel (although it’s still possible to get a tourist visa on arrival). You can get a visa online at Visa2Egypt or alternatively, the address of the Egyptian Embassy in London is 2 Lowndes Street, SW1. Tel: 020 7235 9777. Visas are now generally available for same day collection, although this should NOT be relied upon. Opening hours are 09.30 to 12.30 for applications, 14.15 to 16.00 for collection of passports after the visa has been issued. Postal applications direct to the embassy for visas are not recommended as the service takes 15 to 20 days. Please note that recently Egyptian officials have also requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them whilst in the country.

Vaccinations

Egypt

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and Hepatitis B.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners included.

In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. We suggest you allow GBP60-90 (approx. . USD100-140) for meals not included. Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta-bread, felafel, beans, aubergine and other vegetables, pickles, salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept that the options may be somewhat limited.

Weather

Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30's but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. The winter months can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20ºC, night time minimum is 8ºC. In the summer these temperatures are 35ºC and 22ºC respectively. Daytime temperatures are on average 3 or 4 degrees higher in Aswan.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been graded as grade 1 (leisurely.) Leisurely grade trips are suitable for all clients with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary.

Some days involve early starts (especially Day 3 when we catch an early flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat.

Egypt can get hot, especially during our summer, which can cause discomfort whilst travelling. Care should be taken to keep hydrated. The hottest months tend to be June to September when temperatures can reach as high as 38 to 40ºC in the south of the country.

The hotels and cruise boat that we use on this trip are of a high standard, providing excellent levels of comfort.

Accommodation

Cruise Boat & Hotels

We use comfortable 4/5 star hotels (Egyptian Classification) on a twin-share basis. The Basma Hotel in Aswan is located on the East Bank on Aswan's highest hill, directly opposite the famous Nubian museum. All the rooms have balconies with views of the Nile or the surrounding desert. The facilities in the rooms and in the hotel itself are excellent, including a choice of bars and restaurants, a huge swimming pool and all set amid well-maintained gardens. In Cairo we use the Cairo Pyramids Hotel. Set in a landscaped garden it offers stunning views over the Pyramids. All rooms are en suite.Cruise boatWe sail the Nile on the M/Y Mirage. This cruise boat offers impressive service and great facilities including a swimming pool, a sun deck, gift shop, gym, restaurant and two bars. It stretches 72m in length, 14.4m width and 11.1m height, each of the 58 en suite cabins is fully air-conditioned and has a mini bar. Wi-Fi is available at a cost of $20 (subject to change).

Single rooms available, please enquire for prices.

Additional Accommodation

Can be arranged in Cairo pre or post tour. Please speak to a consultant at the time of booking if you would like additional accommodation.

What did you think of your group leader?

Absolutely awe inspiring.

Seeing and standing next to the real thing is unsurpassed by any screen be it 3D or otherwise.
Good pace if booking the extra excursion/visits, almost all of which were worth the effort.
The cruise part was very relaxing and a welcome break from the grey cold wet xmas hustle.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The monuments were fabulous... 4 thousand years old... still coloured, still there !!! Physically and mentally impressive.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Sayed was fantastic - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly. He was even prepared to take a few of us out for extra walks in the evening and for meals in restaurants. He really did care. Great bloke.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

DO NOT DO the light show at Phalae - its just rotten. This has not been updated since the day they put it in. Dialogue like some 50's Hollywood black and white film and just playing with the dimmer switch does not constitute a show.!
Make sure you have plenty of small change for tips.
Be prepared for constant hustling by people trying to sell you souvenirs almost everywhere.
You do need to have Egyptian money as some places wont accept anything else but lots of places accept cards and other currency . You can change money on the boat, in hotels.

A must do

Amazing trip all the sites were safe and our guide Khalid lotfy made the trip ten times better with his genuine friendship and knowledge
Highly recommended and if you can request a guide ask for Khalid Lotfy!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the pyramids and valley of the kings

What did you think of your group leader?

Our Nile cruise

We have just returned from our Egyptian adventure!
This is our second trip with Exodus and another successful trip full of memories and adventures.
From the moment we met up with our tour guide, Mohammed and the rest of the small group, it was a whirlwind of excitement.
The Tour was well organized, full of unbelievable sights and sounds of this fascinating country.
The cruise boat Mirage was a pleasant surprise. The rooftop sun deck was a hit.
Great food, service and engagingly friendly staff on the boat made us all feel comfortable.
Our guide Mohammed was an amazing trove of all things Egyptian. His knowledge of his country’s past was admirable.
Our group of 20 bonded early on and made this trip a truly enjoyable journey.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

My first sight of the Pryamids was breathtaking.
The early evenings sailing along the Nile was so relaxing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Mohammed was so knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be around.
He joined in on the fun and joking round but kept us informed of the schedule and was well organized.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Amazing Adventure

To see ancient history in front of you is amazing - impossible to imagine what Egypt must have been like 5,000 years ago!
Great guide, patient and knowledgeable. Great group, keen to learn, good fun and always on time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The tombs in the valley of the kings

What did you think of your group leader?

Knowledgeable, patient and keen to enable us to enjoy our holiday

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Very early starts - necessary but tough

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Felt the visit to the Nubian village was questionable. The boat trip was great but there was little to see in the village. The house we visited the people had a couple of adult and a few small crocodiles in a very confined concrete tank purely to show visitors and indeed handle the small ones. This didn't feel in keeping with the Exodus commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly communities,

Reply from Exodus

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank John for his feedback, whilst we are pleased he enjoyed the holiday overall we were very sorry learn of his disappointment with the Nubian Village experience. When the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s and the Nubian people had to move their homes, they became more reliant on tourism to ensure the continuation of their culture. The keeping of crocodiles in their homes as pets, however, is not an aspect of the current day Nubian culture which Exodus wishes to support; we particularly want to discourage our clients to take part in the holding of the animals for photo opportunities.

Nile/

An exceptional tour well put together.
There were early starts but it was cooler and less crowded when you arrived at the site. Usually was time to relax later in the day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For myself it was standing at the base of Kufu's pyramid and being amazed at the enormity of the structure, no amount of reading and photographs can prepare you for the scale

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was Tarek who was fantastic. He was so relaxed and easy going.
It was obvious his love for the history of the Egyptians and his country. He really brought to life the time of the Pharoes and their achievements.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not waste time going online to sort the visas out, there are no end of scam sites and the official one is hopeless.
When you arrive in Egypt you can purchase the visa before going through passport control.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was our first time using Exodus and I would highly recommend them, very professional.

A wonderful trip with some leisurely days along with early starts to beat the heat. October was a perfect time to go- not too hot, blue skies against which the sand and pyramids/ temples contrasted wonderfully.
Our guide was very helpful; it was wonderful to have water available both on the bus and the ship.....
One caveat- it would be helpful if in the trip notes if somewhere it mentioned that one must pay extra to take photographs in some of the temples.......not a problem for myself, but some travellers came with minimal cash, and so hadn't factored that into the equation. A minor point overall though.
Highly recommend!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Truly for me it was hearing the call to prayer while floating down the Nile......as the sun was setting.......drinking a glass of white wine.
Second most inspirational moment was Abu Simbel and the entire history involved from ancient and modern times.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable about all things Egyptian.......

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go......very safe. Inspirational in so many ways.......the history is overwhelming......

Is there anything else you would like to add?

postscript

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared books left behind by previous travellers. Only one was in English.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

n/a

Reply from Exodus

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Graham for his feedback. We are, however, sorry to learn of his disappointment with the selection of books on the cruise. Our local operator has advised us that there are usually more books available, but sometimes a number of books end up in clients’ rooms and in other areas of the boat, such as the sun deck. Our local operator has also confirmed that they plan to add more books to the library, in order for clients to have a greater selection. John Penge – Product Manager for Africa

History in the Heat

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & being able to touch stones & hieroglyphics that were put there thousands of years old was magical. Watching the scenery change as we cruised south on the Nile was also really good.
Overall the tour was seamlessly organised and managed by our excellent guide, Sayed Mansour, who always made sure everyone was clear on timings and locations. He has an encycolopedic knowledge of both the country's history and also its modern day affairs.
On the negative side, this trip is described as 'leisurely' which our group would dispute: we had 3 ultra-early wake up calls (2am & 3am twice) to catch planes and for the 300km coach drive to Abu Simbel. And there were early starts all other mornings too to beat the heat. This & the temps made it very sapping. The temps were much hotter (in mid to high 40sC) than usual as Egypt was having a heatwave, so drinking lots & loose clothing were musts. Thank goodness for air con on the coach & in our rooms!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Riding an Arabian stallion round the Pyramids with hardly anyone about. This was something I arranged privately because on Day 1 I opted out of the tour to visit an equine charity I support which helps the working horses in Giza

What did you think of your group leader?

See above. Sayed Mansour was an excellent guide

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take £ notes as you can pay for the entry visa & all the extra trips with these (or dollars or local notes) & just change a small amount of Egyptian pounds
A hat or scarf is a must. And don't wear hot pants-type shorts as your legs will burn & it offends the locals.
Be prepared for the traders to hassle you endlessly, which can be intimidating

Dates & Prices

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Next steps?

Not found the date you’re looking for? We can organise this itinerary as aPrivate Adventure– just click on the tab above the list of dates and prices, let us know your preferred dates of travel and how many people are travelling, and we’ll do the rest!